Stanford Wong Flunks Big-time by Lisa Yee

The Millicent Min Trilogy #2

by Lisa Yee

Excellent Book

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Sports, Childrens, Humor, Young Adult

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Lisa Yee has written over 20 novels. Her most recent book, Maizy Chen's Last Chance, is about a fifth-generation Chinese American girl, and is a National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor, and the Asian Pacific American Children's Literature Award winner.

Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.

Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.

Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.

You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter book - realistic
For 5th-7th grade

Stanford is looking forward to basketball camp, until he flunks English and spends the summer in school, being tutored, and making unexpected friends in this funny story.

If Stanford doesn't pass English, he can't play on the best basketball team in seventh grade. Which is how he finds himself in summer school instead of at basketball camp, and why the obnoxiously smart Millicent Min is his English tutor. Any reluctant reader will empathize with Stanford's situation. He doesn't feel good about getting an F on his Holes essay ("Holes is a book. It was written by a writer.") but that doesn't mean he wants to spend time reading - even if getting good grades is what will make his mother happy. Readers of Yee's earlier book, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, will enjoy reading the flip side of that story, this time getting Stanford's perspective with plenty of the same humor - if a little grosser. In order to make friends with Emily, Millicent hides the fact that she's a genius, and when Stanford gets a crush on Emily, he's happy to play along and pretend that he's the one tuturing Millicent. This pretense adds to the humor of the book, as does the subplot with Stanford's grandmother - and the fact that Stanford secretly knits to relieve stress.

The chapters are generally quite short, the writing is clear and direct, and the characters are always entertaining, making this a good choice for reluctant readers, in addition to the themes and humor that will make it appealing to middle school boys. Yee also depicts three generations of a Chinese American family, incorporating that perspective into the story in subtle and realistic ways.

The Horn Book's review sums up the plot neatly while highlighting the story's combination of humor and heart. School Library Journal has a slightly clunkier plot summary, but does point out the book's boy-friendly aspects.

[Chalida · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my ever-long quest in examining Asian American teen fiction, I gave Stanford Wong a try and have to admit, I am a fan. Stanford is a horrible student and basketball star who has to retake English in summer school. This book, written in the form of a diary, tracks Stanford's life that summer where he deals with his parents' tense relationship, his grandmother moving into an old folks' home and his falling in love for the first time with a girl and with books. Cute. I loved Stanford's character. Yee addresses the model minority myth and makes this American born Chinese boy a kid like everyone else. Chinese culture is seamlessly woven in without trying to teach.

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is almost as annoying as its cover and title. One look at the kid on the front of this book, and you already know what type of book this is: annoying, sassy, predictable, corny, blasphemous, and upright appalling. So what is this book even about? A boy named Stanford who use to be a nobody at school decides to become a mega-ultra superstar at basketball and become popular. Problem is, he flunks English and has to go to summer school, which you wouldn't think is that big of a deal. But apparently its some sort of crisis, because his friends can't know otherwise they'll leave him...some friends. This girl named Emily who he likes can't know, because he lied to her and told her he's a genius...cause that's how you impress a girl, right? Anyway, he goes to summer school, and acts like the biggest 2-year old ever. He goes around pretending to be "spyyy" and his teacher, a really nice guy named Mr. Glick, is "teacher torturer." I mean, can you really not have compassion for the poor man? It's because of you that he has to waste his summer teaching annoying kids like you instead of going on that cruise in Peru that he's been planning since he was a kid. If you had just paid attention in class, this whole "ordeal" wouldn't take place. So quit acting like such a pain, suck it up, and just pass the dang class. So Stanford claims he has "friends." Great friends you have who you think are willing to abandon you when they find out you take classes over the summer. And then there's also a bunch of these side stories about his personal life that are so stupid it's kind of funny. Also, Stanford is like this really mean kid. He's constantly making fun of this genius named Millicent Min, this really nice Chinese girl that's just trying to help him pass the summer school class by tutoring him. Instead, Stanford just makes fun of her the whole time and they pretty much get nothing done. She has no friends, just trying to make conversation, and Stanford just cracks some heartless joke about her. Really annoying protagonist just sets the stage for an annoying book. At least have the main character someone who's nice, maybe.

[Della · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I finished Milliecent Min, I got the sequel. I have to be honest, it wasn't quite as entertaining as Milliecent Min's take on things, but it was cool to see the whole story from a different prespective. Standford Wong is your average teenager: Longing to prove himself, sports jock, blows off school in general and his nerdy tutor (Millicent Min) and is constantly pressured to get good grades by his mother and father. A good read! :)
PS. Cute little relationship between Standford and his grandmother.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this novel by Lisa Yee. In fact, I enjoyed reading about Stanford more than Min (the companion prequel book). I think it's because Stanford is so accessible. He does enough goof-ups to make him likable, and he feels really real as a young boy.

Of course, there are still deeper issues (like his grandmother's health and his dad's workaholism) that are present, but Stanford reacts like a regular youth. (The only minor drawback is that my husband found his super-mad basketball skills not that believable, but I just went with the story.) Anyway, I think this is a fine addition to the Asian American youth literature. Great job, Lisa Yee!

[Maximilian Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book because it was too long and I didn't understand a lot. I also didn't like this book because I don't like basketball that much. I liked this book because it had a happy ending. I liked the part when Stanford got into the A basketball team because it was the best basketball team. I also liked the part summer school because he flunked reading during the school year. Stanford learned that he needed to put more effort because he couldn't go to basketball camp because he had flunked reading.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good problem novel for boys. Sports, humor, first "love." some family issues.

There is a bit of an "everything but the kitchen sink" to this, but I still enjoyed it, and think most tween boys would.

Family booklist.

[Jennifer M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING. It was so kewl how Lisa Yee put alot of information about basketball to make Standford a REAL person. His personality is so real. Lisa Yee, u r amazing.

[Torense · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Great format and writting style. Though this book is geared to elementary basketball playing boys, this book is still a good read for the young female too.

[Robert Swogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanford Wong is the main character in Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time (SWFBT) by Lisa Yee. SWFBT follows a formula fiction structure and is the second book in a series. The other two books are told from the perspective of the two other main characters’ – Millicent Min and Emily Ebers. In the book Stanford is a young boy who just failed 6th grade English. He had hoped to go to a famous basketball camp during the summer, but his dad puts the kibosh on camp in favor of summer school and passing English. Stanford then spends the rest of the summer with the help of Millie, the smart girl who is the same age but in high school and also taking college courses, tutoring him and trying to help him pass English. During the course of the summer Stanford also has other issues relating to his grandma, Yin Yin, who moves to an assisted living facility and has what could best be described as dementia. However, Yin Yin, is an important friend and confidant to Stanford throughout the book and her transition to the facility ends up being a good one. Stanford also has issues at home relating to his dad because he is a workaholic. Dad would rather work than deal with the problems that have developed with his wife and Stanford. The other issue in the book is Stanford falling for his first girl, Emily Ebers, and getting along with friends and the pressures of being a standout athlete. In the end everything works out for Stanford and he figures out that people are really on his team more than he realizes. He ends up passing English and connecting with his teacher, keeping his friends, building a better relationship with his dad, getting the girl, and gets to stay a member of the basketball team.

Classroom applications for this book are plenty, but best suited for grades 6-8. First, SWFBT would probably be a good book to use to help get a student who struggles with reading to connect with a book, especially if that student loved basketball. Getting the student to read the book and finding a time to meet with them once a week to discuss with them what they’ve read would probably go a long way in getting the student to hopefully continue reading on their own. This could also be a good book to use to as a mentor text to help model a simple story arc that keeps one main character as the focus of everything. Also, if you included the other books you could show how students could write different stories from different character’s perspectives that are connected to each other.

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never able to finish this book as a kid even thought I checked it out from the library multiple times a year. It ripped me up but it also made me smile. I wish death upon Stanford's dad <3

[c]

currently at my cousin's house. last night at 2am, i couldn't sleep so i read one of his kid books lol

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yee, L. (2005). Stanford Wong flunks big-time. New York, New York: Arthur A. Levine Books.

Stanford Wong is a sixth grader who didn’t pass his English class. He has to take summer school with Mr. Glick, notoriously the hardest teacher at school, and pass or else he won’t be able to play on the A-Team (the top tier) in basketball in the fall. Stanford’s parents hire Millicent Min, Stanford’s peer, but who is a genius who takes high school level classes. During the summer, Stanford deals with trying to hide the fact that he has to make up English class from his best friends (the Roadrunners), adjust to his grandmother Yin-yin being in a senior living facility, his dad’s pressure on him to perform better at school, his parents’ strained relationship, and a new girl (Emily Ebers) who captures his attention and heart.

Stanford changes a lot over the summer. His perspective on life widens as he begins to view his family members and even his archenemy Millicent Min in new light. Before summer began, he was very self-involved and not very empathetic. He grew to understand that everybody is not always set out to impede his way of living, playing basketball, or hanging out with friends. Coach Martin gives him some advice near the end of the story: “Stanford, I’m not sure why you think the world is against you… until you start believing in yourself, nobody else will” (Yee, p242). I think a lot of tweens will be able to relate to Stanford, even if they’re not in the exact same predicament as him, as far as grades are concerned. Like a lot of kids, Stanford deals with family issues, school, a social life, and romantic feelings. Tweens, both boys and girls alike, will enjoy reading his story and how he thinks.

Genre: realistic fiction

Reading level/interest level: Tween

Similar books/materials: Millicent Min, girl genius, So totally Emily Ebers.

Reader’s advisory notes:

* i. personal thoughts: This is a fun read. I enjoyed the style of writing that Yee employed, especially the date/time diary style. It was very detailed and true to life about how tweens think.
* ii. subjects/themes: school, friendship, romantic love, self-image, family, Asian-American experience
* iii. awards:
* iv. series information: accompaniment to Millicent Min, girl genius.
* v. character names/description: Stanford Wong, sixth grader, failing English and has to re-take it during summer school; Millicent Min, girl genius, tutors Stanford, friend to Emily Ebers; Emily Ebers, girl that Stanford develops a crush on, becomes his girlfriend; Yin-yin, Stanford’s grandmother who is going senile and sent to live at a senior living facility; Mr. Wong, high-powered lawyer who is under a lot of stress to get the promotion at work, ignores Stanford, compares him to his sister Sarah; Mrs. Wong, more nurturing and pays more attention than Mr. Wong; the Roadrunners, assorted friends who Stanford likes to play basketball with, Digger is an exception.
* vi. annotation: Stanford must pass English summer school to continue playing basketball in the fall. Can he do it? Even with Millicent Min’s, a girl he despises, help?

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clever companion book to Millicent Min, Girl Genius. It covers the same time period as Millicent Min, and sometimes the exact same events, only the story is told from Stanford Wong's perspective.

I was impressed that this book is more than just the same story from a different angle. While I pegged Millicent Min for audiences as young as "upper elementary grades", this book I would put solidly in the middle school grades. Stanford's life is somewhat more complex than Millicent's. Not only is he struggling to pass summer school English, but he's hiding his summer school from his closest friends, he has a strained relationship with his parents, he has an aging grandparent who is slowly losing her mental faculties, and he likes a girl. (The book mentions "hickeys" and "second base", both in a vague manner showing that Stanford himself doesn't quite understand what those words mean.)

From a multicultural point of view, I liked that this book was about a Chinese-American boy, but while his Chinese-American-ness was central to his character, it was also clear that Stanford was just another American kid trying to make his way through adolescence. On the one hand, this book is about a kid who just happens to be Chinese-American. The main plot is that Stanford loves basketball, but has failed English, so he needs to go to summer school. I imagine he's relatable to many young readers, and he's non-stereotypical because he doesn't fit the model minority mold. On the other hand, Stanford does have a tiger dad, and his family's dynamics were a pretty realistic portrayal of a Chinese-American family. Plus, Chinese culture makes regular appearances, mostly in the way Stanford's grandmother likes to make dim sum.

Even though I rated this book 5 stars, a couple things would lead me to rate it 4 1/2 stars if possible. First, for much of the book, it really bothered me that Stanford lied so easily. While he eventually comes clean with all the big lies, I'm not sure he ever had any kind of realization that all the little lies along the way were detrimental, too, like in the way they hindered his ability to communicate meaningfully with his parents.

Also, I didn't feel like I got enough closure with Digger. He's only a supporting character, but he was fleshed out enough that we know he acts out partly - or mostly - because he does not have a supportive home life. He is not a one-dimensional bully - we see his vulnerability a couple times - and yet there is no indication that he might change for the better after we leave the characters to their imagined futures. Too bad there isn't a book from HIS perspective!

[Carrie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanford Wong is looking forward to going to a highly reputable basketball camp and being the only seventh grader to be on the A-team at school. He feels that his life is over when his English teacher, Mr. Glick, tells him he will fail sixth grade if he doesn’t take English in summer school. As if this isn’t bad enough, Stanford must miss basketball camp to take summer school. He may even be off the basketball team if he doesn’t pass. Plus, his parents are fighting, his work-a-holic father is perpetually disappointed in him, and his beloved grandmother Yin-Yin is sent to a depressing nursing home. Could things be worse? Yes—Stanford must also suffer the indignity of being tutored by Millicent Min, a snotty eleven-year-old genius who is already taking college courses. He fears losing his friends and new girlfriend, Millicent’s friend Emily Ebers if they find out he is taking summer school. He and Millicent craft a lie that protects Stanford’s secret (that he struggle in school) and Millie’s secret (that she is a genius), but threatens their friendships with Emily.

Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time is an accessible and funny book about a likeable under-achiever. It is not necessary to have read Millicent Min, Girl Genius to enjoy Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, but it is hilarious to see how different the same events look to these very different protagonists. Stanford comes across as a bit of a jerk in from Millicent’s perspective, but he is far more sensitive than she imagines. He certainly doesn’t see himself as the handsome, popular big-shot he is portrayed as. Instead, Stanford always feels on edge about his social status, which wasn’t always good. He is secret stress-knitter. He watches Sesame Street with his taciturn friend Stretch (who is so self-conscious about his voice change that he never speaks.) At the same time, Stanford is a very talented athlete with a tight-knit group of friends (and a frenemy, the mean-spirited and trouble Digger). This book may appeal more to boys, with its fart jokes and "guy" humor, but its sensitive portrayal of Stanford will also appeal to girls.

Genre: Humor, Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Friendship Fiction

Reading level: 4th grade

Interest level: Grades 4-7

Subjects: School, Grades, Basketball, Family, Friends, Parental disapproval, Self-esteem, Popularity

Read-alikes:
Korman’s No More Dead Dogs

Series information:
Millicent Min, Girl Genius
So Totally Emily Ebers

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable. The chapters aren't really chapters, but a sort of a time line. You aren't committed to reading a lot at any one time. It works to your advantage at the beginning when you aren't invested in any of the characters and don't really care way happens. Later, you are so invested that the size of the chapters don't really matter.

Many themes make their way into this book. You have the whole school thing going on. Stanford isn't so much into school, but is a basketball fiend. He risks losing his place on the "A" team if he doesn't get a passing grade in summer school english. So, you have a whole learning to do your best, and you may surprised that you enjoy it subtext.

Connected, Stanford's relationship with his father isn't the best. He doesn't feel he measures up to what his father expects of him. He is tutored by the town genius who is able to carry on a conversation with his father better than he can. His older sister has a better relationship with his father because she gets good grades. No matter how hard he tries, it seems his father isn't happy with it. The author reveals where Stanford's name comes from, and it further reinforces this theme.

His father is losing touch with his family. His parents fight. Stanford's dad is going for a big promotion and risks losing touch with his family because he is spending time away from home and not listening. Stanford's grandmother Yin-yin also plays a role because he thinks she wants to run away from a retirement home. Is it really what is best for her?

Stanford also learns what makes a friend. Is it someone who is willing to buy you anything, but blackmails you? Is it someone who bullies other people including the town genius Millicent Min? Is it someone who is there for you when you need it the most? Is it a teacher who wants you to do your best. He also experiences first love. Honesty and loyalty plays a big role in even that relationship.

I love that whenever Stanford is frustrated he knits! Plus, he watches Sesame Street with his friend Stretch. He doesn't want anyone to know these things, but it shows how complex everyone is. Plus, guess what a Hee-Haw game is?

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanford is a great basketball player. He’s been picked for the A-Team, and he’s going to a prestigious summer camp to play basketball. Things look great. Unfortunately, Stanford Wong isn’t a great student by any stretch of the imagination. Even so, he’s never failed before – until now. Stanford Wong is failing English, and this has several undesirable consequences: he’s kicked off the basketball team until he brings his grade up, he can’t go to basketball summer camp, he has to go to summer school, and Millicent Min is going to be his English tutor. Things couldn’t be worse. Oh, except that they are, because he told his friends the reason he can’t go to camp is because his dad is making him work for him over the summer. That’s a big lie. So now Stanford has to make sure no one sees him around the school.

It’s not so bad, though. Stanford, with a little coaching from Millicent, learns to appreciate some of the books he’s reading. He even enjoys them. He improves a lot, and becomes friendly with his English teacher. He also meets Millicent’s new friend who is so incredibly perfect and funny he can’t get enough of her. Except that she can never know Millicent is tutoring him, because if she were to find out he was stupid, she’d hate him! More lying.

Of course everything falls apart in the end. Standford’s lies and Millicent’s lies get them both into trouble. But it all wraps up nicely, too. Stanford passes English, he’s back on the team, he gets the girl, Millicent gets to keep her friend, and even Stanford’s dad lightens up. There are family issues thrown in here and there, and some obvious bad stuff going on with one of Stanford’s friends that doesn’t get a lot of mention, but enough to make you wonder. Will his be the next story that gets told? Sounds like abuse. How can Lisa Yee make that one funny?

This is a companion novel to Millicent Min, Girl Genius by the same author. This was not as good as Yee’s first book about Millicent Min, which was hysterical. Stanford Wong’s voice is not as well-developed, and as with many parallel tales, you’ve already read this book from another point of view. So, not a whole lot of brand-spanking-new material here.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Christian C. for TeensReadToo.com

It's the last day of sixth grade, and Stanford Wong can't wait to get out of school and go to Alan Scott's Basketball Camp, the best camp any basketball player could dream of. This is going to be the summer of his life...

...well, that is until he receives his grade for English class: a big fat F.

An F means that basketball camp is over. Stanford needs to go to summer school instead. Not only that, Stanford will be tutored by the annoying genius Millicent Min.

What else can go wrong?

Lots more! Stanford's parents are not getting along, and his grandma recently moved into a nursing home where she's miserable. On top of all that, Stanford obviously cannot let his friends and the girl he likes, Emily Ebers, know that he flunked big time! This is certainly not going to be the best summer of his life.

Or is it?

Lisa Yee is not only a funny lady, but she has done something quite original: she's written three novels (that's not the original part), and each one of them tells the story from the point of view of a character that eventually shows up in her other books: MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS; SO TOTALLY EMILY EBERS; and STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIG-TIME.

Of the three titles, I have only read this one, but I'm sure that readers of the other two books will enjoy reading this novel to find out what Stanford thinks about girls, parents, friends, and basketball. And they'll also find out Stanford's biggest secret: when he gets nervous HE KNITS!

The back of the book contains a section with an interview with the author, a recipe for Stanford's grandma's Won Tons, and much more.

[Eveline Chao · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! Funny and sweet and warm-hearted and adorable.

I actually started reading this more than a year ago then abandoned it, because it was hard to get into at first. It has a somewhat ADHD style and cuts really abruptly between actions and scenes, which made it hard for me to get drawn in. I think it maybe needs a few slowed-down, longer-running scenes earlier on. Like it needs to take a breather from over-strenuosly throwing plot elements at readers and let us get oriented more slowly. On my second try (started rereading the book a few days ago) it still had this problem for me, but maybe 1/3 or 1/2 of the way in (whenever the protagonist Stanford meets his love interest Emily) all the many different running plot lines finally started to come together, and created enough natural-feeling energy and momentum to finally pull me in. Once that magic moment happened, I actually loved the quick-cutting ADHD-ness because it felt like a witty reflection of Stanford's own goofy hyperactivity and all the worries pinging around his brain at all times. It totally captured what it feels like to be around boys, in all their abundant, puppy-like energy. And it also enabled rapid-fire delivery of lots of physical gags & side jokes that I loved.

This is part of a trilogy telling 3 different kids' versions of one summer, and I haven't read the first book (about girl genius Millicent Min, Stanford's tutor) so I should add the caveat that all the problems I mentioned above probably wouldn't have been an issue if I'd read that book first. Anyway, I loved this enough that I'm definitely psyched to read that book as well as the 3rd book, about Emily Ebers.

[Jazzmon Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time by Lisa Yee is a great read for young adults! Stanford Wong, a high school student who loves hanging out with his friends and basketball over studying, encounters a rude wake up call after flunking his English class. He looked forward to spending the summer at basketball camp with his best friends; however, due to his grade in Mr. Glick’s class his parents make him do summer school instead! If that isn’t enough, Stanford has to be tutored by his arch-nemesis and know it all Millicent Min. Mortified, Stanford creates a web of lies to keep his friends from finding out the real reason he cant attend camp, including towards his crush Emily who happens to be friends with Millicent Min. Luckily, Min and Stanford find common ground, but his plan begins to crumble as his home life, friendships, and struggles in academia collide with each other. Will he ever pass Mr. Glick’s mind-numbing English class? Can survive Millicent Min’s mental torture? Will his friends find out the truth? And to top it off, why is his father suddenly so distant?

Overall, I think the modern day references and Stanford’s relatable characterization can really connect to young readers trying to balance high school, their dreams, and personal relationship. Self-discipline is hard when all you do is want to have fun! In addition, I think this is a great “stepping stone” book for reluctant readers who are improving their literacy. They can identify with Stanford, and in turn may also be motivated to overcome their gripes/ struggles with education while also learning important moral lessons about honesty and hard work.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Millicent Min, Girl Genius, this book has distinctly Asian-American characters, but they are not stereotypical. For example, an Asian-American boy named Stanford Wong who is the star of his middle school basketball team and catches the attention of many girls? Not to mention the fact that he's flunking? Definitely not a stereotype (or if it were, it would be a much improved one from the usual stereotypes of Asian-American men)! This book doesn't have as many funny moments as Millicent Min, but it's definitely a worthy sequel. For that matter, each of the books in the series (Millicent Min, Girl Genius, this book, and So Totally Emily Ebers) all take place at the same time during the same events, but they are just told from differing perspectives. Despite this, they are not repetitive. The nice thing (which I read was Yee's intention) is that each of the books can be read separately, in any order. So this book in particular might appeal to guys more than a book called So Totally Emily Ebers might.

[Kobe Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time is about a boy Stanford who makes the A-Team in basketball. But he can't play for them because he flunked English. He has to start taking summer school to get his grades up. I enjoyed the book because it sounded like this could happen to any other guy. The author made the story going along with good words and had multiple conflicts in the story. Stanford not passing English really changed the plot from what would have happened if he did pass English. Because he didn't pass, he made new friends, lost new friends, and built stronger relationships. The author, Lisa Yee, really looked through the eyes of a boy. Because of that, she got amazing tone of voice and feeling and really made the story enjoyable. Lisa Yee has written other books and some were even used in this book! I like how she ties all the characters together in the story. I also enjoy how hard Stanford Wong worked in the book. The best quote from the book is at the end when Stanford is thinking about what he will say to his father. “‘Dad’ I will say. ‘ I know you’re bummed out about your job, but you’ve got me on your team, and Mom and Sarah and Yin-Yin too. Coach says that teammates never let each other down. I just want you to know that I’m here for you.’” If you don’t know what book to read, go check out Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time by Lisa Yee.

[Tajmim709 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book! I think many people, especially boys, can relate to what the main character is facing. Stanford Wong is the main character of the book, and his conflict is that he needs to go to summer school, which means that he can't go to basketball camp. Stanford's parents seem to be very strict when it comes to grades, especially his father, he can't accept anything lower than a C in any of his classes. To make matters even worse, Stanford got a F in ELA. Stanford's mother on the other hand, is usually on Stanford's side and understands how much camp means to him. Stanford has played basketball his whole life and he finally got into the A-Team. He can't just miss his chance and get kicked out, but at the same time he shouldn't be proud of failing the 6th grade and have to go to summer school!

Stanford really wants to go to camp, but his parents can't just let him slack off. It doesn't seem like Stanford tried hard enough when it came to ELA class. Stanford's parents did find a solution for Stanford in order for him to pass the 6th grade. Let's just say they weren't the best solutions, since Stanford had some other issues on top of that to deal with. I noticed that Stanford changed from being lousy to determined, which shows character change. It took some time for that to happen, but at the end it all worked out!!

[Manshui · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult for a middle-schooler to be in the edge of failing sixth grade and also keeping up in the A-team for basketball. What Standford Wong does often is play basketball and that's his passion. He was the HERO in the basketball court but he couldn't risk to fail sixth grade and join basketball all summer. However, he needs to be tutored by Millicient Min (the geek) and go to summer school for English. He didn't want his basketball buddies (Digger, Stretch, Gus, and Tico) to know this. He also faces family problems with his mother, father, and his grandma Yin-Yin. Then he met Emily Ebers (his girlfriend) where comes his one true love. This book really shows how a flunker can in the end be smart and athletic. Standford shows his determination, friendship, ability, care, and his love throughout the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does bad in school and think that life is over. I think that people who are quiet at sports should also open up to the oppurtunities it brings rather than school. This book has connected to my life when I was in elementary school. I didn't play much sports and I wasn't doing that well in school. That was a double bad for me but in the end I enjoy sports and school very much.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a big fan of Millicent Min Girl Genius when I first read it years back, and I just found out that Lisa Yee wrote not one, but two companions after Millicent. Being a fan, I eagerly awaited reading the companion, telling of the same story, but this time, we got to hear from Stanford's POV.

The book starts off with Stanford finding out he has flunked English, he cannot go to the basketball camp he has awaited for. Instead, he must take a summer-school course. Even then, it gets worse. Stanford finds out that he is getting tutored by Millicent Min, who isn't that thrilled either. Then he meets Emily Eber, the beautiful girl who he can't get out of his mind. He assumes that she would never like him back if she finds out he's stupid, so he and Millicent team up in a web of lies.

As readers of the 'first' book, we all know the story and what happens. However, in Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, we get the same story, and a few more details about out beloved Stanford and the story from his point of view. I loved the story, and was so glad that Lisa Yee wrote it. Stanford's witty narration made the story short and fast-paced. I am even more excited to read the 'third' book, letting readers see the story from Emily's point of view.

Rating:

96/100

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named, Stanford Wong who's about to flunk the 6th grade. One thing about Stanford is that his whole world revolves around basketball. If Stanford doesn't pick up his grades he will be forced the quit the basketball team and risk his father getting even more disappointed in him. Another problem about this is that he has to go to summer school and be tutored by his cousin, Millicent. Another big problem about Stanford is that he can't let his friends know he's going to summer school afraid that might kick him out of the group. The only good thing happening to Stanford this summer is Millicent's new friend, Emily who Stanford thinks is one amazing girl.

I'm going to do a text-to-self connection with Emily. One of the ways why i think i can connect to Emily is because Emily cares about her friends. And also care about my friends and wanna make sure they are happy. Another way i think i can connect to Emily is Emily likes to meet new people. And i also like to meet new people. Those are the reasons why i think i can connect to Emily.

I give this book five stars. The reason why i give it Five stars is because i love the plot of the book and i also like the characters in the book. I recommend this book to readers who like to read about realistic fiction.

[K.C. Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if this book or Millicent Min, Girl Genius came first. I read Millicent Min first and liked it, but I think this book is even stronger. Stanford feels like a real middle school kid and his problems seem real too. Parts of this book had me almost in tears, while in other parts I laughed out loud.

I particularly liked Stanford, who's earnest without being stuffy and worried without being a worrier. He has a lot to worry about in addition to his little problem with flunking English and having to go to summer school: his grandmother has had to move into a retirement home and hates it, his parents argue all the time, he's lying to his friends about how he's spending his summer, and he's met a girl he really likes but blurts out that he's tutoring Millicent Min instead of the other way around.

Stanford handles his problems like a real kid, muddling through as best he can. He takes advice from other people but he doesn't always understand what they mean or what he should actually do.

The ending of the book drags out a bit longer than it probably needs to, but it's also wonderfully satisfying.

[Louella Wan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanford Wong just failed his Grade 6 English class. He has to take summer school classes and doesn't want any of his friends to know. He is the only 6th grader on the basketball team and if he doesn't pass he is off the team. Since he does no homework his parents hired him a tutor, Stanford's worst enemy Millicent Min. Stanford meets Millicent Min's friend Emily, he likes her. Stanford tries hard to pass english so he can be on the basketball team and to impress Emily. He ends up passing english. He tells his friends about going to summer school and they are happy that he still gets to play basketball. He and Emily are on good terms. He also learns to like Millicent Min a bit more.

I started this book because I thought that it would different. It turns out that it was like any typical book when the student fails. I finished the book because I wanted to see if Stanford passed English. Also, I anted to know what would happen with Stanford and Emily.

I recommend this book to people who like basketball. I would recommend this book to them backseat if they want to keep playing basketball they should also maintain thier grades.

[Tyree]

This book is about a boy named Stanford Wong who is being punished for flunking ( failing ) his English class. He is on the A-Team for the school's basketball team. His coach really wants him to go to some basketbalkl summer camp over the summer. But, unfortunately he can't attend t it because he is flunking English and now he is has to go to summer school to pass the class. I can connect to this book because in 4th grade I was a little non-famous model. Over the summer we took pictures to put as advertisements in non-popular papers. We got paid 25 dollars every week. So over the summer the wanted me to take more pictures but I couldnt because I was flunking English class. So I had to go to summer school in order to pass that class and go to the 5th grade.So summer school took away from me being rich and famous and my favorite thing to do which was Modeling. I would give this book a 5 because I know how Stanford Wong is feeling on the inside and the outside because he is flunking a class that I flunked and summer school is taking away from his free time and fun time.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stanford Wong is an all time athelete that is a legend once he step onto the basketball court. With a future in this feild, Stanford blocks out all the other possibilities he has in life. Stanford later finds out that he is failing english (always his weakest subject) and needs to pass in order to participate in the basketball team. He has no choice but to study and get his grades up. The question is will he actually accomplish his goals by changing from a jock to a studying student.
This is an interesting book with a humorous twist to the whole plot. I especially admire the fact that he at least tried several ways to get him a passing score in english. The funniest thing is that I think he spends more time trying to find shortcuts and blame some scapegoat rather than to take the full responsibility. He doesn't do a 180 degrees change in the matter of moments, no one does, but he does at least present an effort on his goal of passing class.